Growing Carrot

Daucus carota : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    P P P P P          

(Best months for growing Carrot in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 2 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 12-18 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Onions, Leeks, Lettuce, Sage, Peas, Radishes, Tomatoes, Beans, Celery, Rosemary
  • Avoid growing close to: Parsnips, Beetroot, Dill, Brassicas, Fennel

Your comments and tips

29 Dec 21, Darlene (USA - Zone 9a climate)
You only cover with a board temporarily as to keep the seeds from washing away and from birds eating them. After a week or more, You are to begin checking for sprouts. Within a week to 10 days, if it’s getting hotter in your climate, you elevate the board above the sprouts by placing a rock at each end of the board length and place the board on top of the two rocks. This keeps it a bit shaded since carrots are cool weather. Then as they get larger ferns and safer to expose, you remove the board. I hope that’s helpful.
22 Feb 22, Helen Chon (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Thank you. Your explanation was clear and much appreciated.
11 Dec 21, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Use shade cloth or hessian bags above the soil.
01 Dec 20, Reba Cummings (USA - Zone 8b climate)
If covered with agribon frost cover or pv now (Dec. 1), could I sow carrots ? We have had 2 frosts?
03 Dec 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I suggest you go by the planting guide for your climate zone.
17 Aug 20, Fran (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Will it be too late to sow these in early September?
18 Mar 18, Kdub (USA - Zone 8a climate)
What ph level should the soil be for carrots?
11 Jun 17, BARBARA ADAMS TAYLOR (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Is it too late to plant carrots in zone 6a on the 11th of June? Thank you
Showing 21 - 28 of 28 comments

There are many ways to solve this sandy problem without going to great expense. Before You spend You hard earned $$$. Start a compost corner of Your garden. Only 'organic' matter from Your garden goes in. The seaweed, can You add this in ? If not keep all kitchen scraps, mown grass, other cuttings but do remember that 'weeds' have seeds and will invade Your efforts put them in Your bin. If there are any places where bagged horse, cow, chook poo etc are sold at road sides these will bring up Your soil Nitrogen levels as well. Spent mushroom compost has two advantages, it's perfect for You and new mushies usually grow. !! Good luck. Gregg.

- Gregg Miller

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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